Letters to the editor

I write this letter in support of Senior Services Levy – Issue 7, a renewal with no new taxes to be on the ballot, Nov. 6.

Most of us know of seniors or family caregivers who have benefited from the services and programs provided by the Greene County Council on Aging and the senior centers. I know I have and my husband too.

Passage of Issue 7 is critical so the council can continue to providing these important programs and Greene County seniors and support and grants to our senior centers.

Please join me in support of Issue 7 and vote yes on Election Day.

— Shirley D. Harper, Jamestown

Showing support for Issue 2

Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to show my support for Issue 2 — funding for a new Greene County Career Center to be located in the center of the county, just outside of Xenia. This new facility will enable the career center to continue to offer all its regular programs along with specific new programs targeted at preparing out population for careers in aerospace, automotive and medical manufacturing, all of whom are needed to insure the continued economic growth of the county and southwest Ohio.

This levy is about workforce development and keeping jobs in the area. The current facility just started this school year with the largest enrollment in 15 years. as parents and politicians alike have come to realize that good careers don’t require a college degree, especially if it comes with crushing debt. At the same time many companies are hard pressed to keep up due to a shortage of available workers in engineering technology, manufacturing and cybersecurity. In addition, there is also a shortage of skilled technicians in many areas of traditional local businesses, including plumbers, welders and mechanics. I am sure you share with me the desire to keep jobs local and to keep our talented young adults in the area.

This 1.03 mil, 20-year levy is a good value as it translated to only $3 per month or $36.05 per year for each $100,000 property with the object to give our youngsters more options to pursue their dreams of a better future. Your vote is needed to enable the career center to offer up-to-date facilities and more options to train the skills to keep industry in the region and our economy strong.

— State Representative Bill Dean, Xenia

Support Issue 7

Editor:

There is an important election coming up in November. Not all the issues are political, which are important. There is one issue that is particularly important to me because I am a senior citizen. That is the senior services levy renewal — Issue 7. Greene County Council on Aging provides those services which are too many to name here. Us seniors owe them many thanks. So, children of mom and dad and grandchildren of papa and mama, please vote for Issue 7.

— Gilbert Hamilton, Jamestown

Supporting Lopez

Editor:

It is with great excitement that I support Susan Lopez for Greene county commissioner.

I have known Susan since I was in second grade where she led a “kids club” through the Bellbrook- Sugarcreek Family Resource Center. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts this club is no longer running.

When kids club was running, it reached out to under-privileged kids from low income families. In this club we were taught that we do not have to be a product of our environment; we all have a voice and all deserve a chance to he heard. Susan gave us all a chance to learn, grow and help one another.

Now as Susan Lopez runs for commissioner, she still holds those same values. She will bring a voice to each and every resident of Greene County. Susan will bring more transparency to issues previous commissioners seem to ignore. I believe she will spend our tax-payer-money on more progressive programs to better our community from all dynamics.

Electing Susan Lopez for county commissioner will give us all a voice, that we the people of Greene County rightfully deserve.

— Rebecca Elting, Bellbrook

Support GMH

Editor:

Every year thousands of Greene County residents rely on Greene Memorial Hospital for emergency care. In fact, GMH’s emergency room provided timely care for more than 21,000 patients last year alone. Did you know Greene Memorial served nearly 100,000 patients from throughout the County last year? Services offered include stroke and cardiac treatment, as well as rehab, and women’s health services.

On November 6, our votes for Issue 5 will help keep GMH providing these vital, quality local services to Greene County residents who need them. Issue 5 is not a tax increase; it is a renewal of an existing 0.5 mill levy.

Please join me in voting for Issue 5. Again it is not a tax increase.

— Phil Houston, Beavercreek

Healthy Halloween Hustle a success

Editor:

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is extending a “thank you” to the everyone who participated in the Foundation’s Healthy Halloween Hustle this year. Close to 200 adults and students, along with shirt sponsors, helped support the Foundation’s Classroom Grants Program for Xenia Community Schools through this event. This year the Foundation has awarded almost $25,000 in grants for special projects in the Xenia Community Schools. These include Muse Machine performances at XHS and WMS, Chemistry Club presentations at the elementary schools and the purchase of seismic monitoring equipment for the district’s science classes.

The annual event, a collaborative venture between the Foundation and Xenia Community Schools, was virtual this year. The event, while fundraiser, is also intended to promote healthy activities during the month of October through participants running, walking or treading one to three 5K events on their own or in groups. Those who successfully complete their distance commitment will be awarded bronze, silver or gold medals. Every registrant received a long-sleeved shirt with the event logo on the front and sponsors on the back.

The Xenia Community Schools Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization focused on providing support to the Xenia Community Schools through funds for classroom grants, scholarships and by hosting the annual Xenia Community Schools Hall of Honor Dinner and Induction Ceremony. Additional information is available on the website: xcsfoundation.com.